His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco attended the unveiling the first in a series of Grimaldi Historic Sites of Monaco plaques on Thursday, 18 January, in Menton. This took place during the inauguration of the association of the Grimaldi Historic Sites of Monaco, which was created in 2015. The series of plaques are to commemorate the strong relationships with both the Principality of Monaco and the Grimaldi family.

Prince Albert is the Honorary President of the Grimaldi Historic Sites of Monaco, and he was accompanied by the founder and president of the organisation, Jean-Claude Guibal. Guibal is also the Mayor of Menton. Other well-known faces and celebrities also made appearances. These include the Director of Archives and Library of the Prince’s Palace, Thomas Fouilleron; the Mayor of Monaco, Georges Marsan; the Archbishop of Monaco, Msgr Bernard Barsi; the Director General of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Isabelle Rosabrunetto; and the Senator of Alpes-Maritimes, Colette Giudicelli.

According to Monaco Life, its 2015 inception was in celebration of the “tercentenary of the Alliance between the Grimaldis and Matignon.” Additionally, it aims to “build a network of ancient Grimaldi sites testifying to the friendship between France and Monaco” while also promoting the culture, tourism and heritage of these locations.

On the 23rd and 24th of June, the first meeting of the organisation will take place in Monaco. There, they will present their cultural heritage, shared history and craftsmanship. It is not yet known if His Serene Highness will attend the meetings in his role as its honorary president.